SeniorHealth Tracker application to support the elderly: technological innovation leveraging humanisation

TL;DR

A mobile app prototype called SeniorHealth Tracker is designed to help elderly people live independently while improving communication with caregivers and health professionals.

Contribution

The paper introduces a preliminary proof-of-concept mobile app prototype for elderly care using user-centred design and a health lens.

Findings

The prototype was developed using User-Centred Design and underwent usability evaluation.

Combining technology with human support may improve elderly care and empowerment.

The app aims to support access to care through a social determinant of health perspective.

Abstract

The advance of medicine and technology has been a catalyst for the population's longevity, reflected in the increase in elderly citizens. However, this increase also comes a burden on caregivers. To address this gap between need and accessibility, the motivation for this study arises, highlighting the challenges faced by an ageing population. This work presents a preliminary proof of concept of an innovative digital tool (a mobile app prototype) to support older people to live more independently and safely, while facilitating communication between them, caregivers and health professionals. To develop the prototype for monitoring elderly health, the User-Centred Design methodology was applied, concluding with a usability evaluation. As a proof-of-concept, this study suggests that combining technology with human support may contribute to improved elderly care and empowerment; however, these implications remain preliminary and require validation in larger and more diverse evaluations. Theoretically, it uses a social determinant of health lens to outline potential ways in which health apps could support access to care in this age group, to be examined in future, larger-scale evaluations. From a practical perspective, it contributes with a preliminary proof of concept and prototype offering use-cases aimed at improving the quality of life of this population.

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